“I know it happened here,” she says. “This place matches the video. You say you’re not that type of man, but you are if you’re more concerned with keeping the peace in your little bike gang by supporting a kidnapper.”
“It’s my job as enforcer to make sure lines like that are never blurred or crossed here. You can’t keep making accusations without the proper proof. Fake news. Maybe she just took off with some guy to get away from you.”
I see the flash of anger and the tears she fights back. “My sister wouldn’t disappear without saying something to me. Sure, she might spend the night with a guy, but nothing more.When we lost our parents, that was one thing we promised. That we wouldn’t lose each other. We are all the other has left in this world.” She pulls herself up until she’s almost as high as me. “You have an obligation. You’re a leader because you have the duty to do the right thing, so do the right thing. Help me. And if I’m wrong, you’ll have cleared your precious name.”
“I’m not interested in your fake news.”
“It’s not fake news. This is facts, and if you don’t let me investigate it, we could call out the police, but if they find something, your handsome face will be splattered all over the front page of the newspaper.”
She’s bluffing her ass off, but I cock my head. “Handsome face, huh? Couldn’t have that happen. So if it ain’t fake, show me your proof.”
She lets out a breath, then pulls in another. Her eyes glint and she studies me. It’s dangerous to show me, but she’s not getting a step farther until she does. I act like it doesn’t matter either way, and she reaches in her pocket and taps her phone.
She hesitates before handing it to me. “Remember, you promised.”
I press play and watch the video, and damn if she’s not right. That’s our colors, our jacket. But something’s off. From first glance, she’s at the wrong place—our place—with the wrong guy.
I can’t see his face, but know in my bones he’s not one of ours.
Why here? Why her? And why the fuck was it videoed? She’s wrong about this being us, but she’s right about one thing. I need to find answers quick before someone else goes looking for them.
“So what does an enforcer do about things like that?”
I watch the video again, then move my eyes to meet her.
“Honey, if what I’m thinking is true, this is way bigger than what happened to your sister.” I hand back her phone. “I’m in.”
131
Lizzie
“So now what?” I refocus to contain the rising agitation. Mainly because of my indecision getting me caught. Now, this stranger not only knows my secrets, but also somehow knows my thoughts. I don’t have time to waste playing games. He just agreed to aid me in finding the answers I wanted yesterday.
“I get it, but we have to be smart. You can’t just go off half-cocked. Mistakes like that will get us killed, and what good will that do? You dead and Linda still missing?”
I push my tongue against my teeth. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. “So what’s your plan?”
“You need to get out of here and get some sleep. You look like you could use it. I’ll take this to somebody who can help.” He tries to slip it out of my hand. I tighten my fingers.
“Whoa, dude. We just met.”
“If I’m going to help you, I need some proof.”
“If you want my proof, you’re going to have to tell me who you want to see it and why.”
“Router. She’s been through some tough shit, but that’s her story to tell, not mine.”
“Do you trust her?”
“With my life.”
“Hmm.” I press my lips together, mocking thought. “Okay, then let’s go pay her a visit.”
Exasperated, he lets out a heavy breath. “All I wanted was to go for a run. Ended up sparing this random trespasser, who comes accusing my boys of stuff they didn’t do, and now she’s turning into a pain in my ass.”
“Think of what I’d be if you weren’t trying to help me.”
“You definitely need sleep. I don’t work with grouchy women. Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk to her.”
“By then, you could have done all kinds of stuff. If I go home, I’d have to take you with me, because I’m not letting you out of my sight until you take me to your friend.”
“You planning to take me to bed?”
“I’m here to get answers, not to get laid.” I need air. Everything about him makes my senses tingle in an unfamiliar way.
Though, if I’d met him in a bar, I might have taken him up on his offer. I swallow, fighting my natural urges. Between feeling all of his hard muscles as he pinned me to the ground, seeing shimmers of moonlight dance over the skin of that beautiful body, I might still have been a goner if this guy wasn’t connected with my sister’s kidnapper. It’s been a while, longer than I want to admit, and my body knows it. I could catalog all his parts and eat him up with a spoon.
“Look, let’s not complicate things. Come home with me where we can rest. I have a few things I want to show you. Then in the morning you take me with you to see your friend.”
“Are you sure you’re up for that? Being in a building full of criminals and all.”
“I can handle myself. Can you handle yourself at my home?”
He cocks a brow, eyeing me. “I can.”
Implying what? I turn on my heels. I couldn’t care less
